LOYAL Stuart Potts is ready to join the 500 club after signing on for a ninth season with Guildford Flames.

The 30-year-old Durham-based forward is currently seventh on the English Premier League club’s all-time appearances chart with 465, having originally joined in 2004.

But an injury-free campaign next term should see the former Newcastle Vipers and Cardiff Devils star join the six ahead of him – all of them having broken the 500 mark.

Head coach Paul Dixon saluted Potts’ longevity and impact at Spectrum, saying: "It is actually hard to believe that he arrived here when he was in his early 20s.

“The time seems to have gone very quickly and suddenly he is staring at the 500-game mark, which is not something all that many people can claim.

“Although he has pretty good career numbers and has had a couple of really high end offensive years, he is one of those players that you do not measure by traditional statistics.”

Dixon explained: “Instead, he showcases a lot of intangible assets that are difficult to describe in an objective sense.

"He is a very intelligent player, especially away from the puck, and he has demonstrated superior penalty killing skills over his time with the club.”

He added: “Stuart has been an integral part of many championships over the years and we are certain that his desire to continue that sort of contribution will, once again, benefit us this coming season.”

Potts netted seven goals in 61 appearances as Flames swept to a league and cup double last winter.

He has scored more than 100 times and chalked up 336 points in his Guildford career, placing him 12th on the club’s all-time offensive ratings.